Wisconsin Dells Man Pleads Not Guilty in Fourth of July Homicide Case

LAKE DELTON, WISCONSIN — A Wisconsin man accused of shooting and killing his roommate on the Fourth of July has formally pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree intentional homicide, court records show.

Brandon Bent appeared before a Sauk County judge Thursday, where he entered the plea stemming from the fatal shooting inside a Lake Delton home during Independence Day celebrations.

Argument and Gunfire Amid Fireworks

Investigators say Bent’s roommate was found shot multiple times inside the residence after neighbors reported hearing an argument between a man and a woman, followed by five gunshots as fireworks exploded nearby.

Authorities have not publicly identified the victim. Police say the violent outburst took place shortly before 10 p.m., and responding officers discovered the victim’s body inside the home shortly after.

Neighbors’ Account and Evidence

According to witness statements, a nearby resident told officers they heard raised voices and arguing, then multiple gunshots moments later. Detectives later recovered ballistic evidence and determined the shots had come from inside the residence shared by Bent and his roommate.

Bent was taken into custody without incident and charged with first-degree intentional homicide, a Class A felony that carries a mandatory life sentence if convicted.

Trial Timeline and Next Steps

Bent’s defense team entered the not guilty plea Thursday, setting the stage for full trial proceedings scheduled to begin in January 2026. Prosecutors said they are continuing to review forensic evidence, including gunshot residue and autopsy findings, as part of their case.

The Sauk County District Attorney’s Office has not commented on any potential motive for the shooting.

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